Cylindrical camera rotating cap shutter mechanism with enhanced audio security

ABSTRACT

An information handling system peripheral camera ensures privacy with a cover that minimizes distance of a camera module to a front opening of the camera housing. For instance, opposing cover members rotate about geared ends that engage to translate rotation between the members, where the members meet over a camera opening to block capture of visual images and move to opposing sides to expose the camera module. In an alternative embodiment, a rotating shutter arrangement selectively covers the camera for security and also covers a microphone to provide security against unauthorized audible access through the camera. Selective covering and exposing of a camera module, infrared camera, microphone and user presence detection sensor support adaptive security at a camera based upon end user context.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “Cylindrical CameraDual Leaf Shutter” by inventors Peng Lip Goh, Celia Law, and Deeder M.Aurongzeb, Attorney Docket No. DC-124822.01, filed on even dateherewith, describes exemplary methods and systems and is incorporated byreference in its entirety.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “Peripheral Camera andInformation Handling System Security System and Method” by inventorsPeng Lip Goh, Celia Law and Deeder M. Aurongzeb, Attorney Docket No.DC-125167.01, filed on even date herewith, describes exemplary methodsand systems and is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to the information handlingsystem cameras, and more particularly to an information handling systemcylindrical camera rotating cap shutter mechanism with enhanced audiosecurity.

Description of the Related Art

As the value and use of information continues to increase, individualsand businesses seek additional ways to process and store information.One option available to users is information handling systems. Aninformation handling system generally processes, compiles, stores,and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or otherpurposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of theinformation. Because technology and information handling needs andrequirements vary between different users or applications, informationhandling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled,how the information is handled, how much information is processed,stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the informationmay be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in informationhandling systems allow for information handling systems to be general orconfigured for a specific user or specific use such as financialtransaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage,or global communications. In addition, information handling systems mayinclude a variety of hardware and software components that may beconfigured to process, store, and communicate information and mayinclude one or more computer systems, data storage systems, andnetworking systems.

Information handling systems often interact with peripheral devices,such as keyboards, mice and cameras. Cameras are typically used tosupport videoconferences in which visual images captured by cameras areexchanged so that end users can communicate while viewing each other.Typically, videoconferences are performed with cameras that haverelatively low resolution. The use of low resolution is driven in partby the amount of bandwidth consumed by communication of videoinformation. In addition, low resolution is driven by the footprint oftypical Web cameras, which generally do not have the size to supporthigh quality lenses. For example, cameras integrated in portableinformation handling systems tend to have a restricted focal length dueto the thickness of typical portable information handling systemhousings. Peripheral Web cameras typically have a larger footprint sothat higher quality lenses may be included that capture higherresolution visual images than integrated cameras. Generally, even withlarger housing footprints, Web cameras tend to limit resolution to HighDefinition visual images as Ultra High Definition or 4K cameras and havelarge bandwidth demands.

Recently, enterprises have experienced an increased reliance onvideoconferences to interact internally between employees and externallywith customers and vendors. Although lower-resolution Web cameras aresufficient for many daily uses, in many situations, higher quality videoimages are desired. For instance, in conferences that involve seniorexecutives or high government officials, higher resolution video imagesare generally desired. Often, such high level conferences are done fromlarge conference rooms and involve a number of participants. Generally,high resolution cameras with high quality lenses offer a number ofadvantages in such scenarios. One advantage is that greater focal lengthwill allow one camera to provide high quality video images at differentranges through zoom functionality. Another advantage is that higherresolution offers greater flexibility for digital zoom, pan and tiltfunctions, such as by cropping an image to capture a participant with aclose-up view. When a camera provides higher resolution visual images, anumber of additional integrated functions may be provided at the camera,such as artificial intelligence analysis that aids with facialrecognition and gesture inputs. For example, processing resources addedto the camera monitor visual information for desired attributes that arereported to the information handling system, such as an end user'sidentity.

One difficulty with including higher resolution capability in aperipheral Web camera is that additional interior room generally neededfor higher resolution and greater integrated intelligence can result inawkward form factors with unsatisfactory aesthetics, particularly whenused in profile video conferences. Assembly of the camera to includehigh resolution lenses and additional processing components can resultin a complex internal arrangement that does not readily fit into smallerform factors. For instance, an external housing of the camera tends toinclude screws and other assembly mechanisms that are visible to the enduser. Assembly of a camera in a housing can affect how the lens capturesvisual images and the size of the housing. For example, to achieve adesired field of view for a lens, the size of the housing generally mustincrease as the lens distance to a front glass of the housing increases.However, compressing a lens up close to a housing front glass can bedifficult where the camera includes a front shutter as the front shuttermechanism tends to consume areas at the front face of the housing. Thegreater the size of the front shutter, the larger dimension needed forthe camera housing to get the desired field of view.

Another difficulty that can arise with peripheral camera is that a frontshutter that offers enhanced security is not controlled in a coordinatedmanner with an information handling system's operation. For example,cameras integrated in information handling system housings often includemanual shutters that an end user may slide over the camera lens toprevent unauthorized access to the camera. In some systems, an automatedshutter may be used so that the camera lens is blocked when the camerais not in use and opened when an end user initiates a camera function.Peripheral cameras typically interface through a cable, such as a USBcable, so that camera security more typically amounts to an end userunplugging the camera when not in use. Other functions associated with aperipheral camera may include a microphone to capture audio and aninfrared camera to provide depth information. If a peripheral cameraremains connected to an information handling system and powered upwithout covering the camera at the front, an unauthorized user may beable to obtain access to visual information and also depth and audioinformation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, a need has arisen for a system and method which integrates alens cover in a peripheral camera with minimal impact on camera housingdimensions.

A further need exists for a system and method that manages peripheralcamera and information handling system security.

In accordance with the present invention, a system and method areprovided which substantially reduce the disadvantages and problemsassociated with previous methods and systems for assembly of aperipheral camera in a housing and interactions of a peripheral camerawith an information handling system. A shutter integrates in a frontface of a peripheral camera to selectively block visual images capturedby the camera, such as with dual leaf cover members that rotate over thecamera or shutter members that extend and retract with rotation of a capcoupled to the camera front face. Security may be enhanced withselective mechanical blocking of camera functions, such as depth images,user presence detection and audio capture, which are coordinated with aninformation handling system interfaced with the display for a peripheraldisplay viewing position.

More specifically, an information handling system having a processor andmemory interfaces with a peripheral camera that captures visual imagesto support video conferences. The peripheral camera is assembled into acylindrical housing having a shutter at the front face to mechanicallyblock a camera module from capturing visual images. In one embodiment,the shutter has opposing dual leaf cover members that rotate over thecamera module to block capture of visual images and to opposing sides ofthe camera module to allow capture of visual images. Cover memberrotation is coordinated with gears that engage at the rotation point andinterface with an actuator, such as a step motor or a piezoelectricelement. In an alternative embodiment, shutter members extend andretract over the camera module by interaction of a rotationally coupledcap of the camera and a static shutter plate disposed around the cameramodule that includes guides to define shutter member movement. Invarious embodiments, different camera function availability is managedbased upon shutter position, such as by selectively covering anduncovering an infrared camera, a microphone and a user presencedetection sensor based upon alignment of openings in the cap and thefunctional components disposed in the camera housing. A security moduleexecuting on a processing resource with the peripheral camera monitorscontext, such as with user presence and infrared images, to managesecurity of the peripheral camera as well as visual images presented ata peripheral display interfaced with an information handling system ofthe peripheral camera.

The present invention provides a number of important technicaladvantages. One example of an important technical advantage is that aperipheral camera integrates in a cylindrical housing a shutter thatefficiently uses space to minimize the distance between a camera moduledisposed in the cylindrical housing and a front glass disposed over thecylindrical housing front face. Proximity of the camera module to thefront glass provides an increased field of view for the camera modulewithin a smaller diameter cylindrical housing. The camera module ismechanically blocked from capture of visual images to provide enhancesecurity for an end user of the peripheral camera. In addition, aninfrared camera and microphone may be selectively blocked to preventunauthorized access, such as by a remote hacker. In one embodiment, asecurity module executing on a processing resource within the peripheralcamera manages selective exposure of camera functions to preventunauthorized camera access as well as to provide enhanced security foran information handling system interfaced with the peripheral camera.For instance, the peripheral camera monitors a peripheral display visualpresentation zone to manage security of presented visual images bycommanding adjustments to presented visual images based upon sensedcontext at the peripheral display.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention may be better understood, and its numerousobjects, features and advantages made apparent to those skilled in theart by referencing the accompanying drawings. The use of the samereference number throughout the several figures designates a like orsimilar element.

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of an information handling systeminterfaced with a peripheral camera that supports videoconferencing;

FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E depict a dual leaf camera security systemfor selectively blocking and providing access to a camera moduledisposed in a camera housing;

FIG. 3 depicts a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofcover members configured for automated and manual actuation;

FIG. 4 depicts a rear inner view of the dual leaf cover members disposedbehind the bezel;

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict the peripheral camera bezel rear side with apiezoelectric actuator coupled to a cover member gear for moving thecover members between open and closed positions;

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D depict an alternative embodiment of a camerathat selectively covers a camera module with shutter members;

FIGS. 7A and 7B depict an exploded view of an embodiment that covers acamera module with shutter members;

FIG. 8 depicts a rear view of a circular cap having an actuator adaptedto provide automated access to different camera functions;

FIGS. 9A and 9B depict a rear view of the circular cap configured with apiezoelectric actuator to provide automated access to different camerafunctions;

FIGS. 10A and 10B depict an example embodiment of a front face of thecircular cap illustrating underlying camera functions covered anduncovered;

FIG. 11 depicts a flow diagram of a process for managing security atcompletion of a usage session with a peripheral camera;

FIG. 12 depicts a flow diagram of a process for managing security atinitiation of a usage session with a peripheral camera;

FIG. 13 depicts a block diagram of a peripheral camera configured tosupport security at a peripheral display interfaced with an informationhandling system to present visual images;

FIG. 14 depicts a flow diagram of a process for managing display privacywith a peripheral camera;

FIG. 15 depicts an example of security analysis by sensing context witha peripheral camera; and

FIG. 16 depicts a flow diagram of a process for selective activation ofperipheral camera functions to provide security at a peripheral display.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An information handling system peripheral camera secures againstunauthorized access of camera resources by selectively covering cameraand microphone resources and by monitoring end user interactions at anassociated peripheral display to detect unauthorized access to visualinformation. For purposes of this disclosure, an information handlingsystem may include any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalitiesoperable to compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve,originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce,handle, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, or data forbusiness, scientific, control, or other purposes. For example, aninformation handling system may be a personal computer, a networkstorage device, or any other suitable device and may vary in size,shape, performance, functionality, and price. The information handlingsystem may include random access memory (RAM), one or more processingresources such as a central processing unit (CPU) or hardware orsoftware control logic, ROM, and/or other types of nonvolatile memory.Additional components of the information handling system may include oneor more disk drives, one or more network ports for communicating withexternal devices as well as various input and output (I/O) devices, suchas a keyboard, a mouse, and a video display. The information handlingsystem may also include one or more buses operable to transmitcommunications between the various hardware components.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , a block diagram depicts an informationhandling system 10 interfaced with a peripheral camera 36 that supportsvideoconferencing. In the example embodiment, information handlingsystem 10 processes information with processing components disposed in ahousing 12. For example, a central processing unit (CPU) 14 executesinstructions that process information with the instructions andinformation stored in a random access memory (RAM) 16. An embeddedcontroller 18 manages physical operating conditions within housing 12,such as application of power and maintaining thermal constraints, andalso manages interactions with peripheral devices, such as a keyboardand mouse. A graphics processing unit (GPU) 20 interfaces with CPU 14and further processes the information to generate visual images, such asby generating pixel values that define pixel colors for presentation atdisplay 34. A solid state drive (SSD) 22 provides non-transitory memory,such as flash, that stores information during system power down states.For example, the instructions may include an operating system 24 storedin SSD 22 and retrieved to RAM 16 with boot code executed on embeddedcontroller 18 at system power up.

GPU 20 interfaces through a display port 32 and display cable 42 with adisplay 34 that presents information as visual images, such as byscanning pixel values to a display panel having rows and columns ofpixels. In the example embodiment, a first peripheral camera 36 isillustrated in two different positions relative to display 34. A bracket38 couples camera 36 to an upper side of display 34 to capture visualimages of an end user viewing display 34. A second peripheral camera 36rests on a tripod 40 to capture visual images of an end user viewing thedisplay from a location in between the end user and the display.Multiple viewing locations for camera 36 provides an end user withincreased flexibility regarding the quality of a visual image capturedby camera 36. As is described below in greater detail, camera 36 mayselectively detach and attach from each of bracket 38 and tripod 40,such as with a magnetic coupling device, as described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/325,503, filed May 20, 2021, by Celia Law etal., which is incorporated herein as if fully set forth. Camera 36captures visual images and communicates the visual images through a USBcable 30 and to a USB port 28 for use by information handling system 10,such as to support a videoconference. In the example embodiment, acamera manager 26, such as driver of operating system 24, provides acamera interface 27 for presentation at display 34 to manage camerasettings and present visual images captured by camera 36.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E, a dual leaf camerasecurity system is depicted for selectively blocking and providingaccess to a camera module disposed in a camera housing. FIG. 2A depictsa front view of camera 36 disposed in a cylinder housing 44 to expose acamera module 46 that captures visual images, such as to support avideoconference. In the example embodiment, a bezel 52 covers the end ofcylindrical housing 44 and has a central opening through which cameramodule 46 is exposed to capture visual images. Bezel 52 has a userpresence detection sensor 48 exposed through an upper opening thatdetects end user presence, such as a time of flight sensor that detectsend user presence with infrared light reflections or an ultrasoundsensor that detects end user presence with Doppler effects for reflectedsound energy. Bezel 52 has an infrared camera 50 exposed through a loweropening that provides depth camera functions, such as by emittinginfrared illumination that reflects from targets to a camera that sensesthe infrared spectrum to measure distance. For example, infrared camera50 supports facial recognition based upon depth measurements of a facein its field of view. As is set forth in greater detail below, userpresence determinations and facial recognition are performed with aprocessing resource integrated in camera 36 and then communication to aninformation handling system interfaced with camera 36.

To provide security against unauthorized capture of visual images bycamera module 46, first and second opposing cover members 56rotationally couple to bezel 52 at a lower position below infraredcamera 50. Each cover member 56 rotationally couples at a gear endterminating with gears 60 and extends to a cover end 58 having asemicircular shape, each semicircular shape having a radiussubstantially equal to the radius of the camera module 46 opening sothat rotation of the cover ends 58 to meet over camera module 46 blockscapture of visual images by camera module 46. Gears 60 of each covermember 56 engage to coordinate opening and closing of cover members 56.In the example embodiment, magnets 62 disposed in one cover member 56provide and indication of cover member position, such as to a Hallsensor disposed in cylindrical housing 44. A ferromagnetic material 64,such as steel, is attracted to magnet 62 to aid in holding cover ends 58together when positioned over camera module 46. Bezel 52 has a beveledregion 54 that helps to guide movement of cover members 56 between anopen position that exposes camera module 46 and a closed position thatblocks camera module 46.

FIG. 2B depicts camera 36 with cover members 56 rotated about gears 60to move cover ends 58 over camera module 46. In the closed position,cover members 56 also cover infrared camera 50 to prevent unauthorizedaccess; however, user presence detection sensor 48 remains exposed atbezel 52 so that camera 36 may be leveraged by an interfaced informationhandling system to monitor user presence and absence. FIG. 2C depicts aninner rear view of bezel 52 showing alignment of camera module 46 withthe bezel camera opening. An actuator 68, such as a step motor,interfaces with one of the gears 60 to turn the gear for opening andclosing cover members 56. A Hall sensor 66 couples to the beveled region54 to detect magnets 62 for feedback of the cover member 56 position sothat actuator 68 opens and closes a desired amount. In the exampleembodiment, a cover end 58 may include multiple magnets 62 to provide asignal for actuator 68 control at both the open and closed positions. Inan alternative embodiment, multiple Hall sensors may be disposed at therear side of bezel 52 to further define the position of cover members56. FIG. 2D depicts a rear inner close up view of actuator 68 coupled togear 60 to turn gear 60 so that cover members 56 open and close. FIG. 2Edepicts a front close up view of cover member gears 60 engaged androtated by actuator 68 to a closed position.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , a front perspective view depicts analternative embodiment of cover members 56 configured for automated andmanual actuation. In the example embodiment, a circular frame cap 74rotationally couples over bezel 52 and interfaces with a manualactuation gear 72 so that, as circular frame cap 74 rotates gear 72 alsorotates. Rotation of gear 72 translates to gears 60 so that rotation ofcircular frame cap in opposing directions opens and closes cover members56 to place cover ends over camera module 46 or to opposing sides asdefined by beveled region 54.

Referring now to FIG. 4 , a rear inner view depicts the dual leaf covermembers 56 disposed behind bezel 52. In the example embodiment,rotationally coupling each gear 60 end of the cover members 56 at aninterior rear side of bezel 52 hides the cover ends of cover members 56when not extended over camera module 46. A frame 70 couples aroundcamera module 46 and to the rear side of bezel 52 to hold cover members56 in place and gears 60 engaged with actuator 68. A magnet 62 couplesto one of the cover members 56 to support a Hall sensor detection ofcover member position, as described in greater detail above. Oneadvantage of rear mount of cover members 56 is that the beveled regionis eliminated from the front of bezel 52 to provide a cleanerappearance. In one alternative embodiment, a beveled region may beformed on the rear side of bezel 52 to help guide motion of covermembers 56 between the open and closed positions.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the peripheral camera bezel 52 rearside is depicted with a piezoelectric actuator 76 coupled to a covermember gear 60 for moving the cover members between open and closedpositions. Piezoelectric actuator 76 relies upon a piezoelectric effectto generate a vibration that translates to movement gear 60. Forexample, a ceramic AE series resin coated piezoelectric actuator byKEMET, a YAGEO company may be used. As illustrated by FIG. 5B, apiezoelectric element 80 has a gear pin cap 78 coupled at an end andengaged with a gear 60 so that actuation with current from wires 82 and84 provide a rapid pushing and pulling action that rapidly rotates gear60 to open and close the cover members. The vibration translates to gearpin cap 78 to slightly lift the end of the pin over the individualgears, resulting in rapid actuation of gear 60 in open or closedirections.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D, an alternative embodiment ofa camera 36 is depicted that selectively covers a camera module 46 withshutter members 96. FIG. 6A depicts camera 36 with a front bezel 52having plural openings that each provide access to underlying functionaldevices. Camera module 46 has access to external light through a centralopening, as described above. In addition, an LED opening 86 allowsillumination to exit from behind bezel 52 and a microphone opening 88provides access for sound energy to reach an audio microphone disposedbehind bezel 52. A cap 90 rotationally couples to a front face of camera36 to rotate and allow selective opening and closing of the openings inbezel 52 relative to their underlying functions. FIG. 6B depicts camera36 with the front bezel removed to show an underlying shutter plate 98coupled in a fixed manner relative to camera 36 and a front surface ofcap 90 that includes a microphone opening 100 and LED opening 92.Shutter members 96 couple to cap 90 and to shutter plate 98 so thatrotation of cap 90 relative to fixed shutter plate 98 extends andretracts shutter members 96 relative to a central opening of cap 90through which camera module 46 captures visual images. FIG. 6C depictscap 90 rotated relative to the underlying shutter plate and to bezel 52,which has a fixed orientation relative to camera 36. Rotation of cap 90,in addition to extending and retracting shutter members 96, aligns andmisaligns openings 100 and 92 of cap 90 to openings 86 and 88 so thatthe LED and microphone functions are blocked from access through bezel52. FIG. 6D depicts camera 36 with bezel 52 removed and shutter members96 extended over the camera module. The openings 92 and 100 in cap 90rotate as shutter members 96 extend while the underlying functions areprovided by stationary components disposed on shutter plate 98.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A and 7B, an exploded view depicts an embodimentthat covers a camera module 46 with shutter members 96. In the exampleembodiment, camera cylindrical housing 44 is manufactured by extrudingaluminum into a cylinder having open front and rear faces. A cameramodule 46 couples at the front face of housing 44 to capture visualimages, such as that support videoconferences, and provides the visualimages to internal processing resources for communication to aninformation handling system, as described in greater detail below. Atthe front face, a bezel 52 couples at a fixed orientation relative tohousing 44, such as with screws that pass through bezel 52, through asupport 106 and into threads of housing 44. Bezel 52 may have a glasscover and can support a user presence detection sensor 48 at the frontsurface, such as a time of flight or ultrasonic Doppler sensor. Exposinguser presence detection sensor 48 at a front surface allows constantmonitoring of user presence even as the camera module and infraredcamera operational states change. Support 106 fits around camera module46 to provide a robust brace against torsional forces generated byshutter member 96 movement. In addition, support 106 has a circumferencethat avoids interference with movement of shutter members 96 withinguides 102 of shutter plate 98.

Circular cap 90 rotationally couples over the front face of housing 44captured by the screws that couple bezel 52 to housing 44. The screwspass through openings of circular cap 90 to define a degree of rotationof circular cap 90 relative to bezel 52 and housing 44. The screws alsopass through openings of shutter plate 98 to couple shutter plate 98 ina fixed location relative to bezel 52 and housing 44. Circular cap 90captures shutter members 96 against shutter plate 98 so that pinsextending from the front side of each shutter member 96 rotationallycouples to the rear side of circular cap 90 and a pin extending from therear side of each shutter member 96 slidingly inserts into a guide ofshutter plate 98. As circular cap 90 rotates relative to shutter plate98, guides 102 drive shutter members 96 to travel over and away from thecenter opening of circular cap 90. A microphone 104 couples shutterplate 98 to align with a microphone opening of circular cap 90 whenshutter members 96 move away from the central opening and misalign withthe microphone opening of circular cap 90 when shutter members 96 extendover the central opening to block camera module 46. Mechanical blockingof microphone 104 when camera module 46 is blocked for security adds alayer of security against unauthorized access of microphone informationwhen the camera is powered down. As is described in greater detailbelow, mechanical blocking and access of camera module 46, microphone104, an infrared camera and a user presence detection sensor may beindividually managed based upon the size and relationship of openings incircular cap 90 to provide secure access with the camera.

Referring now to FIG. 8 , a rear view of a circular cap depicts anactuator adapted to provide automated access to different camerafunctions. In the example embodiment, actuator 68 engages with gearsformed in the inner circumference of circular cap 90 to rotate circularcap 90 relative to the camera housing. Shutter plate 98 and supportplate 106 remain stationary relative to the camera housing and stepmotor 68 so that the rotation of circular cap 90 causes the shuttermembers to extend and retract and also causes alignment and misalignmentof microphone 104 with a microphone opening formed in circular cap 90.FIGS. 9A and 9B depict a rear view of the circular cap configured with apiezoelectric actuator 76 to provide automated access to differentcamera functions. Piezoelectric element 80 has a gear cap 78 thatvibrates responsive to current from wires 82 and 84 to engage gears 110so that circular cap 90 is pushed or pulled to rotate. As is describedabove, piezoelectric actuator 76 provides a rapid response time forrotation of the circular cap. In addition, piezoelectric actuator aidswith assembly by coupling to shutter plate 98 rather than performingactuation from within the camera.

Referring now to FIGS. 10A and 10B, an example embodiment of a frontface of the circular cap 90 illustrates underlying camera functionscovered and uncovered. FIG. 10A depicts camera module 46, user presencedetection sensor 48, infrared camera 50 and a LED 86 exposed throughalignment of openings formed in circular cap 90. FIG. 10B depictsshutter members 96 extended over camera module 46 by rotation ofcircular cap 90 to engage shutter members 96 in guides formed in theshutter plate. In addition, rotation of circular cap 90 relative to theunderlying shutter plate misaligns the openings of circular cap 90 sothat user presence detection sensor 48, infrared camera 50 and LED 86are blocked. The physical blocking of these underlying componentsenhances security by reducing the risk that an unauthorized user willaccess camera functions, such as to spy on an end user. In the exampleembodiment, all camera functions become available and unavailable in acoordinate manner, such as in concert with opening and closing ofshutter members 96. In an alternative embodiment, camera functions maybe made available on an individual basis. For instance, in oneembodiment, a user presence detection sensor is exposed at the front ofcap 90 so that user presence detection remains available at all times.In an alternative embodiment, functions are provided in securityincrements where initial functions verify authorized use before fullcamera functionality is available. For example, an initial rotation ofcap 90 exposes only a time of flight sensor so that a request for cameraaccess is first verified by a user presence as opposed to anunauthorized remote access. Once a user presence is confirmed, furtherrotation of cap 90 exposes an infrared camera to support facialidentification of the end user. If the end user identity is verified,additional rotation may expose just a microphone in the event the useronly wants to use audio functions and then the camera module. The delayin opening shutter members 96 may be provided by forming guides thatallow cap rotation without movement of the shutter members until allother functions are exposed.

Referring now to FIG. 11 , a flow diagram depicts a process for managingsecurity at completion of a usage session with a peripheral camera. Theprocess starts at step 116 with user initiation of a video stop, such asclosing a videoconference application running on an information handlingsystem interfaced with the peripheral camera. At step 118, the actuatordrives the cover members or shutter to close. At step 120 the coveringof the camera module is confirmed, such as by detection of a doorposition with a Hall sensor. At step 122, failure to detect a magnetwith the Hall sensor indicates that the camera module is covered sothat, at step 124, the Hall sensor sends a power off signal to thecamera processing resource, such as a microcontroller. At step 126 thecamera processing resource cuts off power to the camera.

Referring now to FIG. 12 a flow diagram depicts a process for managingsecurity at initiation of a usage session with a peripheral camera. Theprocess starts at step 128 with an end user initiating a video start,such as by starting a videoconference application at an informationhandling system interfaced with the peripheral camera. At step 130 anactuator drives open the cover members or shutter to expose the cameramodule so that at step 132 the shutter or cover member is in an openstate. At step 134 a Hall sensor detects alignment with a magnet so thatat step 136 the Hall sensor sends a power on signal to the cameraprocess resources, which at step 138 commands power to the camera.

Referring now to FIG. 13 , a block diagram depicts a peripheral camera36 configured to support security at a peripheral display 34 interfacedwith an information handling system 10 to present visual images. Camera36 includes a processing resource 140, such as a microcontroller unit,that executes a security module 142 to enhance security of a display 34that presents information as visual images from an information handlingsystem 10 interfaced with peripheral camera 36. As an initial matter,camera 36 retrieves from information handling system 10 a size of thedisplay and, if available, a position of the display relative to thecamera 36. The display size is applied to determine a viewing distanceat which an unauthorized end user might be able to view informationpresented at peripheral display 34. In one example embodiment,information handling system 10 may also provide additional parametersfor determining a security distance, such as the size of the letter withwhich information is presented and the context included like picture andvideo window size. For instance, a driver of peripheral camera 36executing on information handling system can send a display sizeadjusted for security factors so that, the larger the display the moresensitive peripheral camera 36 is to taking security actions that limitaccess to presented visual images, such as dimming the display orputting up a security visual image in the place of sensitive visualimage information.

Security module 142 monitors with user presence detection sensor 48 at aviewing location of peripheral display 34 to determine if an end user ispresent. The user presence detection sensor 48 may include a time offlight sensor that relies upon reflected infrared light or an ultrasonicsensor that relies upon Doppler effects associated with reflected soundenergy. If an end user is detected, security module 142 initiatesinfrared camera 50 to perform facial recognition of the end user. Oncethe end user is verified as authorized, security module 142 makesmicrophone 104 and camera module 46 available to the end user. In oneembodiment, security module 142 controls an actuator that covers anduncovers each functional asset as authorized, such as with differentamounts of cap rotation to selectively expose each of user presencedetection sensor 48, infrared camera 50, microphone 104 and cameramodule 46. During end user activity, security module 142 continues tomonitor user presence detection sensor 48 to determine if a second enduser is detected in the viewing position of peripheral display 34. Theviewing position relative to peripheral camera 36 may be retrieved frominformation handling system 10 or may be derived by security module 142by tracking an end user position relative to peripheral camera 36 whenthe end user is making inputs associated with viewing of peripheraldisplay 34, such as inputting a password to authorize access toinformation handling system 10. If a second user is detected within theperipheral display viewing position, security module 142 may adjust thepresentation of information at peripheral display 34, such as by dimmingthe display or replacing sensitive information with a security userinterface. In the example embodiment, security adjustments aredetermined at processing resource 140, such as with artificialintelligence, and communicated to information handling system 10 forenforcement. In various embodiments, security module 142 may useinfrared camera 50 and or camera module 46 to refine securityadjustments based upon second end user identity and position.

Referring now to FIG. 14 , a flow diagram depicts a process for managingdisplay privacy with a peripheral camera. At step 144 user presence ismonitored with a user presence detection sensor, such as a time offlight or ultrasonic sensor. At step 146 if a person is detected theprocess continues to step 148 to determine if the distance to the personpresents a security issue for information presented at the peripheraldisplay. If not, the process returns to step 144. If a security issue isdetermined, the process continues to step 150 to capture an image of theperson with an infrared camera and, optionally, a visual camera. At step152, the processing resource analyzes the captured image, such as withartificial intelligence, to determine if a security issue exists. Atstep 154 the security analysis includes a head and eye angle of thesecond person to determine if the second person can see information onthe peripheral display. If a security issue is determined, the processcontinues to step 156 to protect presented information with a privacyscreen. If a security issue does not exist, the information continues tobe presented at the peripheral display at step 160 and the processreturns to step 144 to continue monitoring for security at theperipheral display.

Referring now to FIG. 15 , an example depicts security analysis bysensing context with a peripheral camera 36. In the example embodiment,at step 162 security tracking is initiated due to detection of usermovement, such as with the user presence detection sensor. Step 164illustrates a variety of different two dimensional images of an end userchair 168 that may be captured by peripheral camera 36 to selectivelyinitiate a privacy trigger 166. For example, in one situation an enduser might turn a chair sideways to converse with another individualwhere a reduced security risk might be determined since the end userwill be watching the second person who is near the display. In anothersituation, the end user's chair position may indicate that amount oftime that the end user will be gone from the viewing position. Forexample, artificial intelligence may model security parameters based onsensed context over time.

Referring now to FIG. 16 , a flow diagram depicts a process forselective activation of peripheral camera functions to provide securityat a peripheral display. The process starts at step 170 by detecting aninterface by the peripheral camera with the information handling system.At step 172 the peripheral camera retrieves display size and positionfrom the information handling system to determine security risksrelative to the peripheral display viewing position. As described above,the peripheral camera position relative to the peripheral display may bederived based upon end user interactions with visual information at thedisplay while the peripheral camera has the user in an infrared orvisual field of view. At step 174, the peripheral camera initiatesmonitoring user presence with a user presence detection sensor. At step176, monitoring continues until a user presence is detected, then theprocess continues to step 178 to expose an infrared camera. Covering theinfrared camera until needed helps to maintain security by avoidingunauthorized access. At step 180 a determination is made whether theuser is a valid user. If not, the information handling system may allowthe user to input a valid password at step 182. If no valid password isinput, the process continues to step 184 to cover the infrared cameraand step 174 to monitor user presence. At step 186, after the end useris validated, the infrared camera is covered for security untilseparately needed. At step 188, the user presence detection sensorcontinues to monitor for users at the peripheral display, such as todetect a second user approaching the peripheral display. If a seconduser is detected, the process continues to step 190 to expose theinfrared camera and, optionally, the visual camera to capture images ofthe second user. At step 192 a security level is determined based uponthe second user position relative to the display, the size of thepresented visual images and, if available, the identity of the seconduser. For example, the peripheral camera may command an adjustment tothe presented visual images based upon the security level, such as bydimming the peripheral display or presenting a privacy screen. Once thedisplay presentation adjustment is performed, the process continues tostep 194 to cover the infrared camera for improved security and returnsto step 188 to continue monitoring the second user.

Although the present invention has been described in detail, it shouldbe understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can bemade hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventionas defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A camera comprising: a housing; a camera moduledisposed in the housing and operable to capture visual images; a caprotationally coupled to the housing and having an opening aligned withthe camera module; a shutter plate disposed between the cap and thehousing, the shutter plate having an opening aligned with the capopening and fixed relative to the housing; plural shutter memberscoupled to the cap and the shutter plate, the plural shutter memberstranslating over the cap opening when the cap rotates a first directionand translating away from the cap opening when the cap rotates a seconddirection; and an actuator coupled to the cap to rotate the cap in thefirst and second direction based upon one or more predeterminedconditions.
 2. The camera of claim 1 wherein the actuator comprisesgears integrated on an inner circumference of the cap, the actuatorengaged with the gears to rotate the cap relative to the housing.
 3. Thecamera of claim 2 wherein the actuator comprises a motor coupled to thehousing.
 4. The camera of claim 2 wherein the actuator comprises apiezoelectric device coupled to the shutter plate.
 5. The camera ofclaim 1 further comprising a microphone coupled to the shutter plate,the cap having a microphone opening that aligns with the microphone whenthe plural shutter members translate away from the cap opening andmisaligns when the plural shutter members translate over the capopening.
 6. The camera of claim 1 wherein the shutter plate has pluralguides, each guide engaged with one of the plural shutter members totranslate rotation of the cap into movement of the shutter memberrelative to the cap opening.
 7. The camera of claim 6 further comprisinga bezel coupled at a front of the cap with a fixed position relative tothe housing.
 8. The camera of claim 1 further comprising: a userpresence sensor coupled to the shutter plate; and an infrared cameracoupled to the shutter plate; wherein the cap has a user presence sensoropening and an infrared camera opening, the cap aligning the userpresence sensor with the user presence sensor opening and infraredcamera with the infrared camera opening when the plural shutter memberstranslate away from the cap opening, the cap misaligning the userpresence sensor with the user presence sensor opening and the infraredcamera with the infrared camera opening when the plural shutter memberstranslate over the cap opening.
 9. The camera of claim 1 furthercomprising: a user presence sensor; and an infrared camera; wherein theinfrared camera and the user presence sensor have an open field of viewwhen the plural shutter members translate away from the cap opening; andthe infrared camera has a blocked field of view and the user presencesensor has an open field of view when the plural shutter memberstranslate over the cap opening.
 10. A method for covering a cameradisposed in a housing, the method comprising: coupling a cap to thehousing over the camera, the cap having an opening through which thecamera captures visual images; coupling a shutter plate between the capand the housing, the shutter plate fixed relative to the housing;coupling plural shutter members between the cap and the shutter plate;rotating the cap in a first direction to translate the shutter membersover the cap opening; and rotating the cap in a second direction totranslate the shutter members away from the cap opening.
 11. The methodof claim 10 further comprising: forming gears on an inner circumferenceof the cap; and engaging an actuator disposed in an interior of thehousing with the gears to rotate the cap.
 12. The method of claim 10further comprising: forming guides in the shutter plate; and translatingthe shutter members over the cap opening and away from the cap openingby sliding each of the plural shutter members in the guides.
 13. Themethod of claim 12 further comprising: disposing an infrared camera inthe housing; aligning the infrared camera with an infrared cameraopening in the cap when the shutter members translate away from the capopening; and blocking the infrared camera with the cap when the shuttermembers translate over the cap opening.
 14. The method of claim 13further comprising coupling a bezel over the cap, the bezel having auser presence detection sensor.
 15. The method of claim 10 furthercomprising: forming guides in the shutter plate; rotating the cap by apredetermined amount without the shutter members translating byengagement with the shutter plate from over the cap to away from thecap; exposing an infrared camera through an infrared camera opening ofthe cap when the cap rotates the predetermined amount; and translatingthe shutter members away from the cap opening with further rotating ofthe cap past the predetermined amount.
 16. The method of claim 15further comprising detecting user presence with a user presence sensordisposed at a front side of the cap.
 17. A camera comprising: a cylinderhousing having a front end; a camera module coupled within an interiorof the cylinder housing at the front end; a cap disposed over the frontend, the cap having an opening aligned with the camera module; a shutterplate coupled to the cylinder housing; and plural shutter membersrotationally coupled to the cap and engaged in guides of the shutterplate, the shutter members extending over the cap opening in response torotation in a first direction and retracting away from the cap openingin response to rotation is a second direction.
 18. The camera of claim17 further comprising a microphone coupled to the shutter plate to alignwith a microphone opening when the plural shutter members retract awayfrom the cap opening and to misalign with the microphone opening whenthe plural shutter members extend over the cap opening.
 19. The cameraof claim 18 further comprising an infrared camera coupled to the shutterplate to align with an infrared camera opening when the plural shuttermembers retract away from the cap opening and to misalign with themicrophone opening when the plural shutter members extend over the capopening.
 20. The camera of claim 17 further comprising: a bezel coupledover the cap; and a user presence sensor coupled to the bezel to detectuser presence independent of the shutter member positions.